Meeting very specific needs of industries whose demands go beyond standard pass boxes has been our focal point in extending the KleanLabs pass box for clean room product line. It was in this spirit that we have developed the KleanLabs spark-proof pass through box for explosive atmospheres according to the ATEX Directive. We offer models that are compliant with zone 1, 2, 21 and 22.
What do ATEX zones refer to?
ATEX is an acronym derived from the French term “Atmospheres Explosibles” (explosive atmospheres). It consists of European Union directives designed to guarantee the safety of products used in (potentially) explosive atmosphere. If a place is classified as an ATEX zone, like an explosion proof cold room, it must comply with higher safety standards in order to assure the safety of personnel working in the zone. To prevent accidents, all electrical devices must be spark- and explosion-proof. Classification of zones basically refers to the hazardous substance (gas or dust) and the space is located (below or above ground). Our KleanLabs clean room pass boxes are recommended for zone 1, 2, 21 and 22.
What is ATEX Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22?
Zone 1
High risk gas/vapour: place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 2
Medium risk gas/vapour: place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
ATEX zones 21 and 22 refer specifically to explosive atmospheres in the form of powder or dust. These classifications are very common in the food industry. Flammable powders are often fine-grained materials, such as coffee, potato powder, sugar, soup powder and milk powder.
Zone 21
High risk powder/dust: place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of powder or dust is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 22
Medium risk powder/dust: place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air or flammable substances in the form of powder or dust is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Spark-proof KleanLabs pass boxes do not contain any electrical components; they are electrically passive devices. Safety interlocking of doors is strictly mechanical. Our spark-proof KleanLabs pass boxes are equipped with a connection node required for EPH controls, so that the cabinets can be connected directly to the EPH network.
We offer passive and semi active models of spark-proof KleanLabs pass through boxes. The latter can be connected to a central ventilation system, in which the air circulation, air supply and possible extraction are performed by a central air conditioning system. In this case, it is important that the components of the central ventilation system are also ATEX compliant and have been the subject of a safety inspection.
